First Reported Case of AMD RX 9070 XT Power Connector Melting Raises Concerns

What's Happening?

A Reddit user reported the first case of a 16-pin power connector melting on an AMD RX 9070 XT graphics card. The incident involved an ASRock Taichi OC model using a 12V-2x6 connector. The user had been using a 3x8 pin adapter cable on its fourth mating cycle, which may have contributed to the issue. The power supply unit (PSU) used was 700W, below AMD's recommended 750W for the RX 9070 XT. This has led to speculation about the role of the PSU and potential user error in the incident.

Why It's Important?

The report of a power connector melting on an AMD graphics card is reminiscent of past 'meltgate' issues with Nvidia cards, raising concerns about the reliability and safety of high-performance GPUs. Such incidents can impact consumer confidence and prompt manufacturers to review design and safety standards. It highlights the importance of using appropriate power supplies and ensuring proper installation to prevent hardware failures. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for DIY PC builders to adhere to recommended specifications and practices.